The princess was ordained by Heaven.

Chapter 214 Reveal

They were still hesitant, but they were just a little slower in their actions; they didn't miss a single thing that needed to be done.

Of course, this only applies to a portion of the population.

After weighing the power behind Zhang Zheng and the significance of Tao Heng as the imperial envoy, some people still chose to stand by Zhang Zheng's side.

Tao Heng's attention was never on these small fry.

Seeing that the constables hesitated and dared not touch Zhang Zheng, Qi Wuyu glanced at Zheng Xun.

"Go."

Having received permission, Qi Wuyu darted out instantly. He quickly twisted Zhang Zheng's arm behind his back and urged him coldly, "Go."

"How dare you! What exactly do you want?! Do you even know who my sister and brother-in-law are?"

Qi Wuyu ignored his threats.

Who cares who her sister is? If the princess wants to deal with someone, even the emperor can't stop her.

Tao Heng couldn't help but laugh when he heard his rant: "Who are your sister and brother-in-law?"

When Zhang Zheng heard him ask that question, the panic on his face gradually disappeared.

He said that Tao Heng dared to touch him because he didn't know his true identity.

His brows gradually relaxed, and a hint of arrogance appeared on his eyebrows: "Tao Heng, my sister is the current Empress, so my brother-in-law is naturally the Emperor!"

Tao Heng felt a sense of absurdity, like someone trying to show off their skills in front of Guan Yu, and he made no attempt to hide his mocking smile.

However, Zhang Zheng did not notice Tao Heng's unusual behavior: "If you withdraw your order now and apologize to me, then I can forgive you."

Zheng Xun crossed his arms: "How come I didn't know my father had a sworn brother?"

“It’s normal that you don’t know…” Zhang Zheng suddenly stopped mid-sentence, “Father…Father Emperor?”

Zheng Xun raised an eyebrow: "My father could never have given birth to a son as big as you! You certainly know how to flatter yourself!"

Zhang Zheng felt a sudden "buzz" in his head, and the world before his eyes spun around him.

He was far from the emperor's reach and his information network was limited, but considering Zheng Xun's age, guessing her identity wasn't difficult.

Oh no, we've messed up.

He knelt down abruptly, his mind racing as he tried to find a solution.

However, after thinking for a long time, he finally came to the conclusion that there was no way to resolve the issue.

Is this really the end for us?

No, no, no, he's not an ordinary county magistrate.

Yes, it's alright. He was the Queen's savior.

Even for the sake of their own reputations, the emperor and empress would not go so far as to kill them all.

I've heard that Princess Yuanjia is very favored, but if it might harm her own interests, then even being favored is useless.

In that brief moment, he came up with countless reasons to comfort himself.

Surprisingly, it actually works quite well.

He stopped overthinking. Even if the princess didn't care about him, she still had to consider the empress's feelings.

Seeing his absent-minded appearance, Zheng Xun snorted softly, "Take him away."

Qi Wuyu escorted Zhang Zheng behind them. The drum outside the county government office was sounded, and some idle people came running at the sound.

Zhang Zheng was a brilliant detective in their hearts, but unfortunately, he rarely tried cases in public. It was a rare occasion for them to catch a glimpse of such excitement, and it would be a lie to say they weren't thrilled.

However, when the people flocked to the scene, they found that someone else was sitting in the seat that originally belonged to Magistrate Zhang, and their beloved Magistrate Zhang was kneeling below the hall with a woman who looked disheveled.

In an instant, the people unleashed their rich imaginations.

Some say that Magistrate Zhang was infatuated with women and that's how he got caught.

Some say it's the work of political enemies who can't stand that a good official has emerged from their Fengliang County.

For a time, everything was possible.

Tao Heng slammed his gavel down: "Silence!"

The constables on both sides, each wielding a stick, stood imposingly. The people, not daring to be disrespectful, gradually quieted down.

Tao Heng first looked at Wu Yuan and asked her to repeat what she had just said.

However, Zhang Zheng has been deeply rooted in Fengliang County for a long time, and the people's trust in him is not so easily shaken.

But if they were to question Wu Yuan about lying, her appearance was truly pitiful. Surely she wouldn't have ruined herself like this just to frame Magistrate Zhang?

After Wu Yuan finished speaking, Tao Hengyu evenly distributed his praises to Zhang Zheng, allowing him to defend himself.

However, fearing it would damage his image in the eyes of the people, he did not stick to his previous statement, but instead returned to his original path, insisting that the murderer was Wu Yuan.

However, Wu Yuan's suspicion was easily cleared. Several of her friends were with her that day, and Tao Heng was also prepared.

These witnesses have been waiting in the back room the whole time.

These girls were not very brave; when they first stood in front of everyone, they seemed a little timid and hesitant.

But they are all good kids.

Seeing Wu Yuan's miserable state, the girls all had tears in their eyes.

One of the girls gritted her teeth and said, "Yuanyuan has been with us the whole time. In the end, it was Magistrate Zhang who asked to see her, so he was summoned. We can all testify to that."

"I can prove it!"

"I also!"

Wu Yuan's eyes reddened when she saw the pairs of arms raised.

Zhang Zheng's face darkened: "Many people in the county know this, right? You've always had a good relationship. Who knows if you're protecting her! Besides, she's so shameless, do you really want to associate with her?"

He belittled the girls' taste and their character.

If there were even one person who could understand human speech, they would not have swallowed this insult today.

One of the girls couldn't hold back and suddenly kicked Zhang Zheng, yelling, "Nonsense!"

She wasn't very strong, so she didn't cause Zhang Zheng any harm.

However, Zhang Zheng happens to have one flaw: he has a tiny bit too much pride.

Can he tolerate being kicked by a little girl?

That's definitely not possible.

Therefore, he couldn't maintain his falsely accused persona and revealed a hint of ruthlessness.

He quickly concealed his true feelings, but some people still had doubts after seeing it.

Tao Heng's lips curled up slightly, and he slammed the gavel again: "Alright, no noise is allowed in the courtroom!"

"Wu Yuan, do you have any other evidence?"

Wu Yuan quickly replied, "Yes!"

She looked at the little girl next to her: "Wanwan, did you bring the dagger I lent you last time?"

Wanwan didn't know why she suddenly brought out the dagger, but out of trust, she still took it out.

Wu Yuan took the dagger, held it high above her head with both hands, and exclaimed, "Your Excellency, this is the 'murder weapon' that Magistrate Zhang spoke of! But! The size of this dagger is completely inconsistent with the body of my fiancé! I have reason to suspect that Magistrate Zhang did not perform an autopsy before concluding the case! Furthermore, I have been frail and sickly since childhood, lacking strength and unable to practice martial arts. Your Excellency can consult a doctor or inquire around; there is absolutely no way I could have caused such a deep wound on my fiancé!"

Qi Wuyu said quietly, "This is where Magistrate Zhang went wrong. As an official, one must carefully consider the use of severe punishment. The Great Yong Dynasty has clear regulations prohibiting officials from extracting confessions through torture or abusing punishments. Now, it is only Miss Wu who has been tortured into confessing, but Magistrate Zhang's actions make one suspicious of the previous prisoners..."